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New Highlander

Discussion in 'Toyota Hybrids and EVs' started by firepa63, Feb 7, 2007.

  1. firepa63

    firepa63 Former Prius Owner

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    Toyota unveiled the redesigned 2008 Toyota Highlander at the Chicago Auto Show Wednesday.

    The new design has softer edges and corners making it look more like a larger version of Toyota's popular Rav4 small SUV.

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  2. fuelsipper

    fuelsipper New Member

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    "The new design has softer edges and corners making it look more like a larger version of Toyota's popular Rav4 small SUV."

    That's great, but what about the things that matter, like MUCH BETTER milage? A lighter weight vehicle maybe? I think the Highlander has been a big failure as far as being a fuel saving vehicle.

    end of rant.
     
  3. koa

    koa Active Member

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  4. Jonnycat26

    Jonnycat26 New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(fuelsipper @ Feb 8 2007, 12:31 PM) [snapback]386993[/snapback]</div>
    They did give it a 1 mile EV mode... which can hurt economy as much as help it...

    But no 4 Cylinder Hybrid Highlander.. I don't think we're going to see one anytime soon either. And the Hybird is now 4WD only.
     
  5. SomervillePrius

    SomervillePrius New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jonnycat26 @ Feb 8 2007, 12:36 PM) [snapback]387045[/snapback]</div>
    :-( This is not the direction I was hoping for. My family will need a station wagon in a couple of years when we become 2 adults, 2 large dogs and a kid. The highlander is def on the list (even if it still looks like to SUVish for me). I was hoping the would launch a 4 cylinder hynbrid station wagon!
     
  6. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Err... hmm.. ok. The front looks like a Freelander.

    Increase output to 270hp? That's what.. an increase of 2hp?? ok.. good for them lol. I'd rather see an increase in mileage. They have the new 3.5 litre.. what gives??

    Edit: Now that I saw more pics, it looks like a 4Runner in the rear and a Forester in the front. It seems Toyota is toughening up the image of the Highlander.

    Here's the "ECON" switch and "EV" switch!! http://shows.autospies.com/gallery/pop.asp...p;imageId=38780

    Also, it better ride well because my friends who have the Highlander say they bought it over the 4Runner because it's comfortable and easy to drive.
     
  7. Skwyre7

    Skwyre7 What's the catch?

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SomervillePrius @ Feb 8 2007, 01:32 PM) [snapback]387077[/snapback]</div>
    My family will be growing too. Eventually. This will be on our short list. So will a hybrid minivan, if one is available.
     
  8. spwolf

    spwolf Senior Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Feb 8 2007, 07:33 PM) [snapback]387079[/snapback]</div>
    one thing I noticed is that despite HH being 15% heavier than before, and despite using 2008 EPA regulations, that were roumoured to hit hybrids really hard, 2008 HH will have same mileage as 2007 version.

    That means it is using newer hybrid system and that they managed to get extra 15% MPG from it, at least...
     
  9. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(spwolf @ Feb 10 2007, 08:33 PM) [snapback]388303[/snapback]</div>
    ic. we'll see the new Prius ratings
     
  10. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    "Other features on the new Highlander include a backup camera that doesn't require the buyer to order a navigation system; a Smart Start keyless ignition system on Limited and Hybrid models"

    from The Car Connection
     
  11. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jonnycat26 @ Feb 8 2007, 01:36 PM) [snapback]387045[/snapback]</div>
    Besides our Prius, we have the 400h Lexus, which is pretty much the same drive train as the hihi. It's not 4WD ... as there is no drive line to the rear axle. Only an electric motor runs the rear power, and by watching the MFD, it doesn't run all that often.
     
  12. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hill @ Feb 21 2007, 09:25 AM) [snapback]393990[/snapback]</div>
    That would be 4WD-e. The rear electric motor gives the "4WD" option. That saves on the centre diff and such on regular 4WD vehicles.
     
  13. Tadashi

    Tadashi Member

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    Well, they have a 3rd row of seats option which will make it 7 people. That is about as good as a mini-van I think. Too bad they do not offer a FWD over the 4WD to increase fuel economy. We only want one for the increased passenger capacity and towing capability over the Prius.
     
  14. Duffer

    Duffer Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(spwolf @ Feb 11 2007, 12:33 AM) [snapback]388303[/snapback]</div>
    When I read the Toyota news release I was kind of ticked that fuel economy was not better and at the top of the list. Now I see that this vehicle must compete in the SUV market where rough tough, high HP, and prestige symbols rule saddly. People are looking for better fuel economy and the Highlander should be a real pleasure to drive with the CVT/Hybrid system providing thrust on demand, without waiting for a downshift or the engine to wind up in a gear. There have been strides in economy as you have stated.
    Perhaps the next generation of Highlander will be lighter and more focused on fuel economy, after buyers try the water and know how good it is.
     
  15. RICHGUESS

    RICHGUESS New Member

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    Dan Neil of the LA Times tells me he thinks the BMW 3 series turbo diesel wagon is coming to the US in fall of 2008. It does 0-60 in about 6.5 sec and 40 mpg. I have a prius, but I'm wating for this.
     
  16. sassypamela

    sassypamela New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(RICHIE1 @ Jul 14 2007, 11:18 AM) [snapback]478662[/snapback]</div>
    And what are the emissions going to be? Are you going to be able to buy it in California? (Like the MB E class diesel that can't be bought in California)

    And since when does the 07 prius have a pkg #9?
     
  17. samiam

    samiam Antipodean Prius Poster

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Feb 9 2007, 06:33 AM) [snapback]387079[/snapback]</div>
    Hey Tideland, in what you've read is there any indication whether the HyHi will be officially sanctioned as tow-capable (will it pull a trailer)? B)
     
  18. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(samiam @ Jul 24 2007, 06:19 PM) [snapback]484439[/snapback]</div>
    Nothing yet. I mean the current one can tow.. I believe Toyota gives a towing capacity.


    If anything, you guys (US) would get the information before us (Canada)
     
  19. samiam

    samiam Antipodean Prius Poster

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Jul 25 2007, 01:23 PM) [snapback]484444[/snapback]</div>
    I guy am on the other side of the world from you. :lol:

    I've found some hybrid Klugers (JDM) here but cant find out whether they are approved for towing a load.
    I know the Highlander is, but wondering whether the HSD comes with a do not tow admonition the way the Prius does...


    Here's a link to what I'm seeing down here...
    (hope the link works)
    Kluger
     
  20. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(samiam @ Jul 24 2007, 06:47 PM) [snapback]484461[/snapback]</div>
    Yeah I didn't notice that til I replied to your other post in another thread lol.


    Hmm, I checked the US site and they don't have the 2007 models any more. The 2008 models are rated at 3,500lbs.